*This content was translated by AI.
The 'Kim Sang-sik magic' has rewritten Vietnam's football history. After extending their unbeaten streak to a record 21 consecutive matches, they also achieved what had never been accomplished in 30 years: an away victory against Indonesia.
Under the leadership of head coach Kim Sang-sik, the Vietnam national football team defeated Indonesia 3-0 in an away match during the third group stage game of Group A at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, Indonesia, on the 3rd (Korean time) of the 2026 ASEAN Championship Hyundai Cup.
As a result, Vietnam moved to the top of Group A with two wins and one draw (7 points, goal difference +10). Singapore also has 7 points but trails in goal difference (+3).
After crushing East Timor 7-0 in the first match and drawing 0-0 against Singapore in the second, Vietnam continued their unbeaten run in the group stage by dominating difficult Indonesia with a three-goal margin away from home.
Vietnam will face Cambodia, considered the weakest team in the group, in the final group stage match on the 7th. If they do not lose this game, they will secure a spot in the semi-finals.
This victory against Indonesia allowed Vietnam to set several new records. First, Kim Sang-sik's consecutive unbeaten streak was extended to 21 matches. Starting from a 1-1 draw against India in October 2024, Vietnam recorded 18 wins and 3 draws across 21 matches, achieving a win rate of 85.71%.
The previous record for the most consecutive unbeaten matches by the Vietnam national team was 18 games, set between 2016 and 2018 under coaches Nguyen Huu Thang, Mai Duc Chung, and Park Hang-seo.
Coach Kim not only surpassed the previous record but also extended the unbeaten streak to 21 matches with this decisive victory over Indonesia.
Additionally, Vietnam broke the 30th-year jinx of failing to win against Indonesia in ASEAN Cup away matches. Vietnamese media Dan Tri reported, "Vietnam's victory against Indonesia marks the first time since the AFF Cup third-place play-off in 1996, which was the predecessor of the ASEAN Cup."
Furthermore, Vietnam continued its dominance over Indonesia. The last time Vietnam lost to Indonesia in the ASEAN Cup was during the first leg of the 2016 semi-finals. Since then, in six encounters up to this match, Vietnam has recorded three wins and three draws without a single loss.
Moreover, Vietnam inflicted upon Indonesia the most humiliating defeat in ASEAN Cup history by the largest goal margin in a home game for Indonesia.
Before this match, the two teams had faced each other 13 times in the ASEAN Cup, with identical records of three wins, seven draws, and three losses. However, with this victory, Vietnam now leads the all-time head-to-head record at four wins, seven draws, and three losses.
In the 'ASEAN Hyundai Cup,' which marks its 30th anniversary this year with Hyundai Motor as the title sponsor, Vietnam's goal is clear: to achieve back-to-back titles for the first time in tournament history and secure their fourth overall championship.
Held every two years, the ASEAN Championship determines the strongest team in Southeast Asia. Over the years, it has been known by various names depending on its title sponsor, including Tiger Cup, Suzuki Cup, and Mitsubishi Cup, gaining widespread recognition among domestic football fans.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
